When I was first looking into becoming a Pinterest Manager, I wanted a no-cost (or very low-cost) entry. I didn’t need, or candidly want, every shiny tool right away — just the basics to get started.
I was working full time when I started Pinterest management and was creating my exit strategy from the corporate world. My goal from the start was to create a sustainable income stream that would ultimately replace my corporate salary — without adding additional debt to grow my business.
If you’re considering becoming a Pinterest Manager — or even if you’re a DIYer looking to manage your own account — you can apply the same approach. Start lean, build confidence, and then invest in the tools that will save you time and scale your results.
Over time, as I began taking on clients, my goal was always to let my business cover the costs of the paid subscriptions I added.
In this post, I’ll walk you through that progression — from free must-haves to professional upgrades — so you can see how your Pinterest toolkit can grow alongside your business.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on a product or service, and decide to purchase it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All recommended products and services are based on my positive experience with them.
1. Start With the Basics (Must-Haves – Free to Start)
When I first started, I used only the essentials:
- Computer – Everything I do starts here, whether designing pins, uploading content, or checking analytics. Any Pinterest Manager will need a reliable computer as their hub.
- Pinterest Business Account – This was the first step I took because it unlocks analytics and the native scheduler. For anyone managing Pinterest, this is non-negotiable.
- Canva (Free) – Canva was my very first design tool. Even on the free plan, it gave me Pinterest-sized templates and simple tools to create polished pins. Beginners or DIYers can get started right away without spending a dime.
With just these three, I was able to learn, experiment, and even start helping clients.
2. Step Up Your Game (Nice-to-Haves – Free Versions Available)
Once I got comfortable with the basics, I started looking for ways to save time and stay organized:
- Tailwind (Free trial) – I tested Tailwind early on to help batch and schedule content more efficiently. Even without the paid version, it was a big step up from scheduling everything manually.
- Airtable (Free) or Google Sheets – I began tracking pin designs, keywords, and client deliverables in Airtable. For any Pinterest Manager, these tools are helpful for keeping multiple projects organized.
- ChatGPT (Free) – I used the free version of ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner for pin titles, descriptions, and blog outlines. For anyone writing a lot of content, AI tools can speed up the creative process.
These tools were low- or no-cost, but they gave me a huge boost in productivity.
3. Professional Toolkit (Really Nice to Have – Core Business Tools)
Once I had steady client work, I invested in tools that made my business more professional and efficient:
- Canva Pro – This was my first paid subscription. The brand kit, background remover, and larger template library saved me hours of design time. For Pinterest Managers, it’s one of the best investments you can make.
- Website – Having my own website gave me a professional space to share services, case studies, and blog posts. A website adds credibility and makes it easier for clients to find and hire you. If you’re just starting out and need both hosting and a simple way to design your site, Bluehost is a great option. They’re one of the most widely used hosting providers and offer affordable plans that include a free domain for the first year.
You’ll also have two paths to choose from:
- Bluehost Website Builder – A drag-and-drop builder designed for beginners who want a quick, no-code way to get a professional-looking site online.
- WordPress on Bluehost – The full WordPress platform, installed with one click. This option gives you more flexibility, control, and scalability as your business grows.
My recommendation: If you’re new and just want something simple, the Website Builder is an easy starting point. If you want more customization and long-term growth, WordPress on Bluehost is the better route.
- PayPal or Stripe – I set these up early for client payments. Every Pinterest Manager needs a reliable way to send invoices and get paid.
- Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Chrome extensions) – I depend on Google tools daily to organize files, collaborate with clients, and streamline workflows. They’re flexible, free (or low cost), and easy to scale with your business.
- Stock Photo Subscriptions – When clients didn’t have strong brand visuals, stock photos helped me keep pin designs fresh. For Pinterest Managers, they’re a valuable resource for maintaining visual variety. Ivory Mix is one of my favorites.
- ChatGPT Plus – Upgrading to ChatGPT Plus was a turning point. I use it daily to brainstorm pin titles, write descriptions, draft captions, and even outline blog posts. For Pinterest Managers, the paid version offers faster responses and smoother workflows.
- Pin Inspector – A tool I use for keyword and trend research on Pinterest. It helps me uncover what people are actually searching for, so I can optimize pins and content more effectively. For Pinterest Managers, it’s a great way to stay ahead of trends and build stronger strategies.
At this stage, I wasn’t just managing Pinterest — I was running a business, and these tools helped me operate like a pro.
4. Advanced Upgrades (Paid, Scale-Friendly)
As my business grew, I began looking into tools that could streamline even more:
- Tailwind Paid Plan – The advanced analytics and smart scheduling features became worthwhile as I managed more content.
- Airtable Paid Plan – I haven’t upgraded yet, but I plan to, since the advanced automation and reporting would help as my workflows expand.
- CRM Tools (Dubsado or HoneyBook) – I’m currently in the process of setting up Dubsado to manage proposals, contracts, and client onboarding in one place. These tools help save time and keep everything organized as you scale.
- Accounting Software (QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Wave) – This is still on my to-do list, but it’s an important step. As soon as you’re making consistent income, bookkeeping software makes tracking finances and preparing for taxes much easier.
These upgrades are all about scale. I only consider paid tools when they’ll save significant time or improve the client experience — and always with the mindset that new subscriptions should be covered by business income.
5. Learning and Community Tools
While software and apps keep the day-to-day running, I’ve also found it invaluable to plug into programs and communities that support Pinterest Managers. These aren’t must-haves in the beginning, but they can make a huge difference as you grow. I’ve taken many courses and these are two of my favorites:
- Meagan Williamson’s Pin Potential Program – Focused on advanced Pinterest marketing strategies and helping you maximize results for clients.
- Amy LeBlanc’s Pinterest Mastermind Group (Levee Road Studio) – An advanced-level course and group that offers a supportive space to learn, share strategies, and connect with other Pinterest Managers.
These programs act like “toolkits” of their own — giving you education, accountability, and community, which are just as important as the apps and software you use.
Wrapping It Up
The best part about becoming a Pinterest Manager is that you can start small — just a computer, Canva, and a Pinterest Business account. As your skills and workload grow, you can layer in tools that help you stay organized, save time, and look more professional.
My advice? Start lean. Learn the essentials. Then let your business cover the costs of the tools you need to scale.
Take the Next Step in Your Pinterest Marketing
Whether you’re just getting started with Pinterest or looking to optimize what you’ve already built, you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s work together. If you want to put more of a focus on your Pinterest marketing and need help, reach out or take a look at my Pinterest Management Packages to see how I work.
New to Pinterest and prefer DIY?
- Get your Free Pinterest Business Account Quick Start Checklist
- For a deeper dive, check out my “How-To Guide to Use Pinterest to Attract Clients and Sales”
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